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Posted by Massimo DeRocchis

Priority Networks Inc. Weighs in on Study Claiming Computer Games Improve Study Habits of Students

Priority Networks Inc. Weighs in on Study Claiming Computer Games Improve Study Habits of Students

Toronto, Canada, January 19, 2016 – Priority Networks Inc. (PriorityNetworks.ca), a Toronto-based computer network company offering complete network installation and maintenance, is weighing in on a study claiming computer games can improve students’ study habits.

The University of Bristol just completed a study that suggests that computer games can be valuable to the study habits of students. (Source: “Can computer games improve the ability to study?” Phys Org, January 11, 2016; https://phys.org/news/2016-01-games-ability.html.)

“There’s a long debate around whether computer games actually serve any educational purpose,” says Massimo DeRocchis, president of Priority Networks Inc. “Evidence from this study, however, seems to land on the positive side. And with the regular use of computers now and the major role they’ve come to play in our lives, it’s really not that surprising.”

The University of Bristol says that its study is part of a larger project aimed at capturing results on this topic from over 10,000 U.K. secondary students. Lead researcher of the study Professor Paul Howard Jones presented his results on Friday January 8. He showed that gaming can help keep the mind more focused by reducing activity in the part of the brain that makes the mind wander. Data for the study showed that the wandering activity disappeared when study was connected to competitive gaming. There were three parts to the Bristol Study. One was conventional questioning, the other was multiple choice, and the final was competitive computer-based gaming.

“This kind of study is radical but can be huge for interpreting the way students learn,” DeRocchis continues. “If computer games are truly keeping kids more focused and engaged and are producing better educational results, then it’s something that should definitely be considered.”

Priority Networks Inc. offers its clients similar network services on a scale that fits their business. Its goal is to bring a high level of computer networking services to customers, including IT services, network installations, consultation, and maintenance.

Massimo DeRocchis
January 19, 2016
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Choosing the Right Computer Repair Service

Choosing the Right Computer Repair Service

Priority NetworksYork Region was recently named one of the best places to reside in Canada, and the City of Vaughan is a big part of that. Vaughan is home to many small businesses, including a number of companies that offer computer repair services. Although it’s great to have many options as a consumer, it can make it that much more difficult to decide which is the best choice for you.

How to Choose the Right Service

How do you narrow down which of the small businesses offer the best computer repair services in Vaughan? While everyone has their own tactics, there are some general questions and steps you should take before you make any decisions for your own business.

Cost

As a business owner, cost is likely your primary concern. Though cost should not be the only factor in your decision, it should play a significant role. It may be better to think in terms of value so that you feel more confident dishing out whatever the cost happens to be. Then, compare the value with other computer repair businesses to help you make a more informed decision.

On-Site and Remote Support

Not only should you receive both on-site and remote computer repair services, but you should also know what kind of stipulations come with each. Some repair companies will charge extra for having to come to your site while others offer a limited scope of remote repair services. Make sure you ask detailed questions about what kind of services are included in the package you will be purchasing.

Efficiency

While each problem may be different and require a specific set of troubleshooting, turnaround time is crucial. You obviously want to know how soon the job will be done. If any part of your system is down, it means your business isn’t operating at full capacity. That can affect your operations in a lot of ways, most of them being negative. Ask your computer repair technicians about specific situations they’ve dealt with in the past and how long it took them to find a solution.

What Are Other Customers Saying?

While there may be some debate as to the validity of online customer reviews, that shouldn’t stop you from finding out how others have rated the service. Many computer repair services display the companies they’ve worked for or currently do business with right on their web site. This means that you’re just a phone call away from finding out what these companies think of that service.

Big Store vs. Little Store

Resist the false ideology that bigger is better when it comes to any computer repair. It’s all about the capabilities of the technicians working for that company, be it big or small. This is why speaking with the actual technicians and getting as much information as you can beforehand is so important.

The Right Service Is Crucial

Taking the time to find a company that offers capable computer repair services in Vaughan or in your city of business is extremely important. Computers are the main drivers for the operation of most businesses. Not having your computer perform optimally is a problem that needs to be addressed immediately and effectively.

Priority Networks Inc. understands how important computers are to a business. We have highly qualified technicians and offer affordable repair packages that will work to your needs. Contact us today for details about our services and why Priority Networks Inc. is best suited for all your computer repair services in Vaughan.

Source:

Queen, L., “York best region in which to live in Canada,” yorkregion.com, May 8, 2015; https://www.yorkregion.com/news-story/5609005-york-best-region-in-which-to-live-in-canada-report-shows/.

Massimo DeRocchis
January 7, 2016
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Priority Networks Inc. Weighs in on Research Aimed at Defending Networks from Insider Threat

Priority Networks Inc. Weighs in on Research Aimed at Defending Networks from Insider Threat

Toronto, Canada – November 2, 2015 — Priority Networks (https://prioritynetworks.ca/), a Toronto-based computer network company offering complete network installation and maintenance, is weighing in on research aimed at defending networks from an insider threat.

Many of the security precautions currently being devised or implemented to guard against cyber hacks or threats to a computer network are done so to prevent or react to external threats. But researchers are now looking for ways to design software that prevents against insider threats.

“Of course businesses and organizations are going to be more concerned about outside threats to its computer networks,” says Massimo DeRocchis, President of Priority Networks. “But being able to protect your network from internal threats is just as important. You have to think about the potential damage. And at the end of the day, both an external or internal breach have the potential to cause the same amount of damage.”

The National Science Foundation has responded by launching Secure and Trustworthy Cyberspace to fund research for internal cyber threats. They are hoping researchers can identify vulnerabilities and create strategies for protecting networks and reacting to these threats.
(Source: Margetta, R., “Cybersecurity research looks to guard networks from insider threats,” October 16, 2015 https://phys.org/news/2015-10-cybersecurity-networks-insider-threats.html)

“The National Science Foundation is certainly taking a huge step by launching this initiative,” DeRocchis continues. “The industry has been so concerned with finding ways to prevent against terrorists threats or just general hackers that the threat of insiders accessing sensitive information hasn’t received much attention.”

What’s distinctive about this initiative is that Secure and Trustworthy Cyberspace is not differentiating between intentional and unintentional internal threats. This means they have acknowledged that negligence could be just as crucial of a vulnerability as a planned cyberattack.

“I think what’s important to keep in mind is that real people are accessing these networks so you can almost count on the fact that there will be some mistakes,” concludes DeRocchis. “This initiative is taking all possibilities into account. So hopefully all possibilities will be accounted for and preventable. And for instances when they are not preventable, there are reactionary procedures in place.”

DeRocchis says that Priority Networks takes the time to analyze the networks of all small businesses they work with. The intention is to develop a security system with procedures which are proactive rather than always having to react.

Learn more about Priority Networks at https://prioritynetworks.ca/.

For more information about us, please visit https://prioritynetworks.ca/

Massimo DeRocchis
November 2, 2015
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Ensuring Network Security

Ensuring Network Security

PriorityNetworksInc_image_101915It’s a topic that can’t be spoken about enough. Properly securing your network has become (and really, always was) a vital part of operating your business. The recent public hacks involving large companies such as Sony, Ashley Madison, and to a much lesser degree, Apple, has forced businesses to face this reality and take serious steps to safeguarding their networks.

Though most businesses already know the importance of securing its network, many mishaps occur by simple neglect. Here are some basic safety measures IT departments can stress to ensure the safety of your network.

Don’t Open Files From Unknown Sources: This is the source of the recent Apple hacks to one of its apps. It’s important all employees know that opening any files or attachments from unfamiliar sources is not acceptable and can actually cause major disruptions to your network.

Passwords: Basic yes, but so important. Weak passwords make it that much easier for hackers to tap into your network and access or manipulate personal data. Forget about ever using birthdays, last names, children’s names, or anything of that nature. Use upper and lower case letters, different characters, and just store your password somewhere so you can remember it if need be. Also, change your password on a regular basis.

Close Any Open Ports: There’s rarely an instance when a port should be open, and in business a port should never be open. Your IT department should be able to spot open ports fairly easily.

Now let’s get into more sophisticated steps to protect your network:

Customer Security Over Customer Experience: Every retailer reading this is probably labelling it as blasphemy, but the reality is the current climate of network breaches calls for security of the customer to take precedence over everything. For any retailer, that means really doing your homework before implementing any new payment system and understand that all personal information needs to be protected, not just the actual card info.

Encrypted Backup and Insurance: VP of Consumer Protection at Experian, Michael Bruemmer, says that cyber insurance policy is one of the minimum standards that every business should have in place. It’s also essential to backup personal and sensitive files in an encrypted, offsite location. This way if your network is breached, you are still able to operate with a quick turnaround.

Get an IT Officer: More precisely, get a chief IT security officer. This person will be in charge of setting up an incidence response plan, training employees on network security, and constantly identifying potential weakness in your network security.

Priority Networks Inc. implements network security strategies for all of our clients in Toronto. We understand the importance of protecting sensitive information and have a team of IT experts who are capable of installing the best security measures possible. Network security is a serious issue which every business, regardless of size, needs to take seriously. But part of taking security seriously is getting the right people to handle the job.

Visit our website to learn more about how we help small businesses protect their networks.

Massimo DeRocchis
October 19, 2015
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The Importance of Data Cabling

The Importance of Data Cabling

Data CablingIt’s clear we’re in an era where technology is at the forefront of nearly everything we do on a daily basis. The workplace, of course, epitomizes this new reality, as technology has become an integral part to how most businesses function and succeed today.

With technology at the heart of the workplace, the infrastructure behind that technology is the veins that allow it to operate at its best. It’s no longer acceptable to neglect the importance of technology, which means you need to have a sound structure in place to keep your operations running smoothly. Data cabling is a part of the foundation for activating and maintaining that structure, which makes it a vital part of your business operations.

 
What Is Data Cabling

It’s easy to get overly technical when explaining exactly what data cabling is, so this is the easiest description: data cabling consists of the smaller structured elements of a building’s telecommunications cabling infrastructure. Put simply, there is no network infrastructure without the cabling.

Organized Chaos

If we had to define what cabling does, we would say it organizes chaos. The goal of cabling is to make sense of the elements and connections that allow the technology to function. With the evolving nature of technology and communication, this is not always a simple task.

Focusing just on communication alone, you’re not just talking about a phone on a desk anymore or simple company e-mails. Voice over IP (VoIP) is common now as well as video conferencing, cloud computing, and finding ways to support an increasingly remote and mobile workforce. All of these factors play a role in how the foundations are set and why IT is continually attempting to keep the chaos organized.

Benefits of Structured Cabling  

The most immediate and obvious benefit is reduced down time. Having an unstructured cabling system leads to unnecessary and preventable mistakes, which leads to your company losing time in having to resolve these matters. Organized data cabling also increases the efficiency of your network, and allows for quicker tracing. And one last benefit that shouldn’t be ignored is the fact that organized data cabling just looks better, “better” meaning neater, cleaner and ordered— there’s certainly value in aesthetics.

Cabling is the most important aspect of wired computer networks and is often overlooked. Your network is only as fast and efficient as the cabling in your building no matter what hardware you have in front of it. Priority Networks Inc. understands all of the benefits of cabling and can provide top level service to ensure we meet the standards set out in this article. We’ve helped many small businesses in Toronto match and exceed their network goals and we expect to do the same with all of our clients.

Visit our website to learn more about how Priority Networks can help your business grab control of its network.

Massimo DeRocchis
October 12, 2015
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Priority Networks Inc. Weighs in on Google Setting Up Wi-Fi in Indian Railway Stations

Priority Networks Inc. Weighs in on Google Setting Up Wi-Fi in Indian Railway Stations

Priority Networks Inc. (www.PriorityNetworks.ca), a top computer networking company built on customer satisfaction, is weighing in on Google setting up Wi-Fi in 400 Indian railway stations.

Google is extending its global reach to India with its plans to provide Wi-Fi to 400 railway stations in India, a move that is expected to impact the millions of commuters that travel through these stations on a daily basis. The first part of this rollout is to cover 100 of India’s busiest stations by the end of 2016. (Source: Rebeiro, J., “Google to set up Wi-Fi in 400 Indian railway stations,” Computerworld web site, September 28, 2015; https://www.computerworld.com/article/2986953/wireless-networking/google-to-set-up-wi-fi-in-400-indian-railway-stations.html.)

“Google is a huge internet company making moves accordingly,” says Massimo DeRocchis, President of Priority Networks Inc. “Offering Wi-Fi on such a large scale in an area where so many people will benefit can only be positive. People spend a good portion of their day travelling, so to have access to the internet while they wait is an indirect way of enhancing the travel experience.”

It’s expected that 10 million commuters use these stations daily and will benefit from the Wi-Fi service; that’s 10 million people who can potentially download apps, videos, games, or whatever while they wait for their train to arrive. India’s current railway commuter capacity at around 21 million and there are plans to add railways services to manage up to 30 million in the next five years.

India has over 1 billion citizens, but only 300 million of which are currently online users. The government is undergoing an aggressive expansion to see that more of the population is connected to the internet. India is not known to censor internet material, although it has previously removed any content seen out of line with religious beliefs.

“The potential to connect that many people is amazing and something only a few companies in the world can actually do on that kind of scale,” DeRocchis concludes. “The more access people have to information, the more connected our world becomes. That’s how barriers get broken.”

Priority Networks Inc. offers its clients similar network services on a scale that fits their business. Its goal is to bring a high level of computer networking services to customers, including IT services, network installations, consultation, and maintenance. Learn more about Priority Networks Inc. by visiting PriorityNetworks.ca.

Massimo DeRocchis
October 8, 2015
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Priority Networks Inc. Weighs In On Apple Dealing With Rare Breach of Security

Priority Networks Inc. Weighs In On Apple Dealing With Rare Breach of Security

Toronto, Canada, September 30, 2015 – Priority Networks Inc. (www.PriorityNetworks.ca), a top computer networking company built on customer satisfaction, is weighing in on how Apple is handling a rare security breach.

One of the most profitable companies in the world, and certainly one of the most popular, has shown itself to be at least somewhat mortal by announcing a rare security breach. The breach is said to possibly impact Canadian users who unintentionally caused malware to infiltrate their iPhones and iPads and expose passwords to personal data. (Source: Apple security breach could impact Canadians with iPhones and iPads,” September 21, 2015 https://www.kelownadailycourier.ca/news/national_news/article_69ca3c1b-fe6c-5949-8f18-4417653037ca.html)

“This goes to show that no company or individual is 100% invincible to network attacks,” says Massimo DeRocchis, President of Priority Networks Inc. “Every business is susceptible and must take serious precautions to make their networks more secure.”

Though Apple hasn’t made any official declaration as to which apps were specifically infected, it is believed that most are located in the Chinese market. However, other reports state that apps such as WinZip and WeChat, which are available throughout the Canadian market, were also infiltrated.

“New versions of those apps have already been released, so it’s possible to rectify the mistake,” DeRocchis continues. “Apple obviously has a high level of systems in place to quickly and effectively resolve matters. They can send out blasts to alert users to uninstall the infected apps and download new ones. But small business owners care just as much about their businesses as corporate executives and they need protection, also.”

This breach is thought to have happened just as many others do. Developers, network administrators, or even employees open files or allow access to sources that are suspicious or that shouldn’t be trusted. Once that initial breach is made, the malware spreads fairly quickly and needs to be removed right away.

DeRocchis says Priority Networks Inc. works with small businesses in Toronto and across the GTA all the time and they know how to spot suspicious malware before it seeps into the networks, and remove it quickly if and when it does get past any security blocks.

“The key is to be both preventative and reactive. The Apple breach shows no business is impenetrable, but you can reduce your chances of a network breach severely if you develop the right systems. At Priority Networks Inc., we know how to specify the system for your business and offer the highest level of protection and troubleshooting possible.”

Learn more about Priority Networks by visiting the web site at www.PriorityNetworks.ca.

Massimo DeRocchis
September 30, 2015
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Questions to Ask Before Hiring an IT Service Provider

Questions to Ask Before Hiring an IT Service Provider

PriorityNetworks_image_091815Outsourcing your IT services is a careful calculation of needs, risks, and rewards. On the one hand, small companies who outsource their IT service provider have reduced operating costs and free up much-needed personnel and resources that can be focused back on the core business. On the other, choosing the wrong company can leave you without adequate control over your needs and locked into a contract that ends up doing more harm than good. Fortunately, when hunting for an IT provider for your computer network services, there are a few questions you can ask to better identify the best fit for your needs.

What Is Your Training, Certification, and/or Experience?

This is a basic, but important, means of assessing a candidate’s level of competence. Computer systems are not created equal so being able to identify how much experience an IT service provider has with systems similar to yours is extremely important. If your system requires more specialized knowledge, be sure to inquire about certifications as well.
 
Do You Have References?

An outsourcing candidate may seem confident, but it’s always best if this can be backed up. Try to get references to past or current clients that have systems similar to your own. By talking to them, you can learn about things like how smooth the transition to the IT provider went, how responsive they are to customer needs, and how they responded when hiccups occurred.

How Will I Get Help When I Need It?

An IT service provider is most essential when things go wrong. As a result, knowing how their procedure works both externally and internally is of high importance.

This question has two main components. The first is how you would actually make a service request. For instance, ask about whether you would need to call, e-mail, use a portal on their website, etc. Consider and ask about how reporting is handled if the primary means is unavailable; for instance, what you’re expected to do if the Internet is down.

The second part of this question is asking about what happens inside the candidate’s organization once a request is filed. Things like how tickets are relayed to IT staff members, what their troubleshooting strategy is, how tickets are escalated, and what their dispatch policy is are all worth inquiring about.
 
How Is Billing Handled?

Different IT providers use different billing models, but one thing they should all ideally provide is some form of itemization or report. A basic listing like “20 hours of technical service” is not very informative and makes it hard to assess effectiveness.

The ability to get a detailed report or itemized bill means more than just understanding what you are paying for. If an IT service provider is unable to produce itemization, then this could mean that they aren’t particularly good at tracking employee activity. This sort of lax tracking means that the candidate may be experiencing a number of inefficiencies—but unaware of it. A candidate’s ability to provide a detailed report can therefore be seen as a basic indicator of how on top they are of their own operations.

Priority Networks Inc. is able to provide complete network installation and IT service solutions for businesses of all types. We can operate remotely or come on site whenever necessary. Our team and technicians are skilled and take pride in resolving issues quickly and effectively. Visit our website at prioritynetworks.ca for more information.

Massimo DeRocchis
September 18, 2015
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Priority Networks Inc. Announces Two New Locations and 11-Year Anniversary

Priority Networks Inc. Announces Two New Locations and 11-Year Anniversary

Priority Networks Inc. (www.PriorityNetworks.ca), a top computer networking company built on customer satisfaction, is announcing the opening of two new locations. Priority Networks Inc. is also proud to announce that it is celebrating its 11-year anniversary.

Priority Networks Inc. is now able to extend its reach by opening two new locations in Ontario, one in Innisfil and the other in Vaughan. Both locations will see the company continue to deliver high-quality services as part of its customer-centric focus.

“And the best part is that the company continues to grow” says Massimo DeRocchis, President of Priority Networks Inc. “The entire team here continues to learn new things all the time and find ways to help more people and businesses with their computer needs. And with the level of success that we have been fortunate to have, now was clearly the time for the business to expand.”

DeRocchis explains that the goal for everyone at Priority Networks Inc. is to always leave customers satisfied with its services the first time–a goal that is taken very seriously. He believes that the key to running a successful organization is to complement great products or services with outstanding customer service.

In addition, August 30 marked the 11 year anniversary of Priority Networks Inc. Originally started from the frustration of finding dependable computer service, DeRocchis has led the Priority Networks team to becoming one of the most trusted computer hardware companies, also offering IT services in Toronto–and now, Innisfil and Vaughan as well.

“Sometimes it can be hard to believe that it’s been 11 years,” DeRocchis concludes. “We started off believing we could provide consumers with better computer services and that’s what we’ve been able to achieve. Now our customers believe in us and we’ve continued to gain support because we take real pride in the quality of services we have been able to maintain over the years.”

For more information on Priority Networks Inc., including a full list of services offered, including network management, surveillance, and monitoring, visit the web site at www.PriorityNetworks.ca.

Massimo DeRocchis
September 16, 2015
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The Importance of Monthly Computer Network Maintenance

The Importance of Monthly Computer Network Maintenance

Importance of Monthly Computer Network MaintenanceIs it even possible anymore to run a business without some kind of computer technology? While you rack your brain trying to answer that question, most businesses are busy either configuring networks or finding ways to maintain their networks so their operations can continue to function without any setbacks.

Though it’s important to take the time to configure a network that’s the right fit for your business, it’s equally important to maintain that network once it’s set up and ready to go. More and more small businesses are recognizing the role computer network maintenance plays in the operations of their organization. To do this, they are dedicating teams to ensuring the network stays running as it should. The alternative can negatively impact the company and potentially damage relationships with customers, something all businesses hope to avoid.

No Network is Perfect

A solid network brings together all of your computers, plus connects other physical devices such as printers. The goal is to create an easy way for all staff to interact over the network and gain access to all of the necessary data. For networks systems that are more advanced, that can mean remote access, giving staff the opportunity to access the network anywhere an internet connection is available. Having centralized storage and offering tools that make it easy for staff to collaborate is also a function of a strong network.

But the fact is that no network is perfect. No matter how much time you take to configure the network or how advanced the network may be, it is bound to have some kind of technical issues. At some point, maintaining your computer network will become necessary. Depending on the size of your team and the reach of your network, you can either choose to have someone currently on your staff address the issue, or you will need to have a team dedicated to consistently maintain your network.

Maintaining Computer Networks

Maintaining a network is no easy task, even for small businesses. Network failures are disruptive and having them fail even for a few hours can harm your operations. Depending on the nature of the malfunction, a down network can impact the relationship with your customers if they are not able to perform routine operations.

Having a dedicated IT team is probably the most effective way to go about maintaining your network. Not only will this team be professional and able to troubleshoot any problems in an efficient manner, they will be able to work proactively to prevent any of issues before they arise. That’s probably one of the biggest benefits to having a dedicated IT professional or team working to maintain your network. Identifying potential shortfalls and stopping those problems before they happen keeps your business up and running and saves unnecessary costs related to resolving issues.

Priority Networks Inc is able to provide complete network installation and maintenance solutions for businesses of all types. We can operate remotely or come on site whenever necessary. Either way, our team of technicians are skilled and take pride in resolving issues quickly and effectively. Visit our website for more information.

Massimo DeRocchis
September 14, 2015
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